Leiter Hits Injured List Amid Cubs’ Bullpen Woes
CHICAGO — In a season already marred by injuries and inconsistencies, the Chicago Cubs were dealt another blow as set-up reliever Mark Leiter Jr. was placed on the injured list with a right forearm strain, the team announced Sunday.
Leiter, 33, has been struggling lately, surrendering eight runs over his last four appearances before the injury sidelined him. Despite his recent struggles, Leiter has been a crucial component of the Cubs' bullpen, having allowed only three out of 20 inherited runners to score against him. His ERA has, however, inflated to 5.34 across 32 games, and his season record currently stands at 2-4.
Cubs’ Injury Epidemic
Leiter's injury is the latest setback for a struggling bullpen. The Cubs have experienced a series of injuries at the back end of their bullpen, with multiple key players sidelined.
Adbert Alzolay, the Cubs' Opening Day closer, is on the injured list with a forearm strain, and middle relievers Yency Almonte and Julian Merryweather are similarly sidelined. This string of injuries has left the Cubs' bullpen shorthanded and ineffective. Currently, the Cubs’ bullpen ranks 23rd in Major League Baseball with a 4.44 ERA, and the loss of Leiter compounds the issues for the bullpen.
The bullpen's ability to hold leads and provide stability in the late innings is in serious question, and the team’s standing in the bullpen rankings underscores the urgent need for effective performances moving forward.
Leiter’s Season by the Numbers
Despite his recent struggles, Mark Leiter Jr.’s early contributions to the team were significant. He was particularly adept at managing inherited runners, allowing only three of the 20 inherited runners to score under his watch. Nonetheless, his recent outings have severely impacted his statistics, with his ERA now sitting at 5.34 over 32 appearances and an overall record of 2-4. His placement on the injured list is undoubtedly a critical loss for the Cubs.
Next Man Up
To fill Leiter’s spot on the roster, the Cubs recalled left-handed pitcher Luke Little, who has shown promise in his previous performances. The pressure will be on Little to perform at a high level immediately as he joins a bullpen under heavy scrutiny. Little will need to quickly find his footing, as the Cubs hope to stabilize their late-game pitching options in Leiter’s absence.
Focus will be on how the depleted bullpen manages without Leiter, and the burden will fall on the remaining bullpen members and newly called-up Luke Little to step up and deliver effective performances. The Cubs continue to fight to stay competitive, and managing their late-game pitching challenges is paramount to their success.
Conclusion
Injuries have significantly hampered the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen, and Mark Leiter Jr.'s injury exacerbates the issue. The burden now falls on the remaining bullpen members and newly called-up Luke Little to keep the team afloat. As the Cubs strive to remain competitive, managing their late-game pitching challenges will be essential in determining their standing in the league.
"CHICAGO — In a season already marred by injuries and inconsistencies, the Chicago Cubs were dealt another blow as set-up reliever Mark Leiter Jr. was placed on the injured list with a right forearm strain, the team announced Sunday."